'I couldn't believe it:' Blackpool boss vents frustration after Jordan Rhodes red against Portsmouth- and reveals next course of action

The on loan striker was given his marching orders just before the break, after he was deemed to have used his elbow while competing in the air with Joe Rafferty.

Following the red card, the Seasiders produced a courageous performance to pick up a point against the League One leaders, but it could’ve been more but for the decision concerning Rhodes, with the club now set to lodge an appeal.

"I thought the game was too much for the ref anyway- for both teams the decisions were bewildering, but as per usual it’s us who are on the end of the major decision in the game,” Critchley said.

"It’s happened countless times, we’ve had three written apologies this season, but it might be four now. There’s no point speaking to them, as all I do is get myself in trouble. I made my feelings clear at half time, but that was probably letting off a bit of steam, afterwards I was concentrating on the players and supporters to make sure they feel good about themselves after an outstanding team performance.

"I couldn’t believe, I was actually shouting for a foul on Jake Beesley- it was clear, as the ball goes up and as he turns, he’s dragged to the ground. Then you see Rhodesy compete for the ball and it’s a coming together, so I’m thinking it’s just a foul, but when I turned around the ref’s got the red card in his hand- I was in shock, it’s an unbelievable decision. We shall appeal it obviously, and we expect the authorities to see sense and do the right thing.

"It was a strange decision, everyone would agree with that. If the referee had done his job properly it wouldn’t have got to that point, and he wouldn’t have contested for the ball. He got one million and one decisions wrong and that was another one.

"I don’t think Jordan could believe what happened either, I don’t think the ref knows him very well because he’s probably not been sent off too many times in his career. Joe Rafferty is a wily old campaigner, he knows exactly what he’s doing and unfortunately the referee fell for it.

"We were the better team, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with it. It’s beyond a joke, we’re on the wrong end of so many huge decisions which make such a massive difference. We were in a position where we’re on top of the game, which doesn’t mean we’re going to win- anything can happen, but he spoiled a really good match. We had to sit in with 10 men hoping to hold on, so it’s not the spectacle you want, but I’m not sure that’ll bother him.”